The K_eq for the interconversion for the two chair forms of methylcyclohexane at 25 °C is 18.What % of the chair conformers feature an axial methyl group? A)95 B)75 C)50 D)25 E)5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equilibrium constant (K_eq) for the interconversion of the two chair forms of methylcyclohexane is given as 18. This means that the ratio of the more stable equatorial conformer to the less stable axial conformer is 18:1. Since the axial conformer is less stable, it is less populated. To find the percentage of the axial conformer, we calculate the fraction of the axial conformer in the total population (1 part axial out of 19 total parts, since 18 parts are equatorial and 1 part is axial). Thus, (1/19) * 100% = approximately 5%.

The Keq for the Interconversion for the Two Chair Forms

The K_eq for the Interconversion for the Two Chair Forms